Neptune SKY LED

[areefer01]

Shimmer is there but as noted above it is subtle. The SKY shimmer should not be considered equal to or close to the Kessil. That is their market and one of its strength and I swapped from a360x to SKY. My display is 30" deep and I can see it on the bottom and the side panes. I do not run the AB+ as I do not prefer the blue look. I run with the Coral Growth schedule.

Actually I do run AB+ but only before lights out for an hour as it then transfers to the moon light.

 

[AlainD]

Hi, i like to use my lamp in the blue Spectrum. If i use the sky this way, does it produce enough par for a sps tank or i have to use it with a lot of white ?

Do you see a big difference beetween puck style lamp like the radion 4 vs the sky for the shadow problème when our sps frag become a colonie ?

 

[Mywifeisgunnakillme]

I think it is the size of the panel. Many of the multi light Radion setups are only running at 50%.

So multiple Sky's does not really replace/reduce the number radions needed because the user can just spread multiple radions out over the tank?

 

[Mywifeisgunnakillme]

Interesting read and photos from the tear down. Aside from the large panel design and diffused light, it is a polar opposite of the Straton concerning materials and construction. Glad I like my Stratons. I figure you must be glad as well.

Yeah, the seemingly cheaper construction (for the still the high end price) and Jake's pointing out of lack of moisture proofing/isolating of electronics in an LED would make me go towards Straton or ecotech. That said, a lot T5's don't have moisture proof end caps, etc. But those are easily replaceable and you can see if there are issues occurring when you replace bulbs.

 

[Jon's Reef]

So multiple Sky's does not really replace/reduce the number radions needed because the user can just spread multiple radions out over the tank?

All depends on the tank dimensions and aquascape.

A kessil A500x, Radion XR30 and Sky have similar par output. But they differ substantially in geometry.

I have a ~36x24x24 tank. 1 XR30 would not give enough coverage around the aquascape. 2 XR15 was better, but still resulted in poor coverage wrapping around the front and back (so I added LED bars). I thought about going with 2 XR30 mounted front/back, but decided to try 1 SKY. The coverage looks (and measures via par meter) out well.

So from experience I would suggest that if one was running 4 XR30 over a 6’ tank, you would get better coverage with 2-3 SKY.

 

[areefer01]

Yeah, the seemingly cheaper construction (for the still the high end price) and Jake's pointing out of lack of moisture proofing/isolating of electronics in an LED would make me go towards Straton or ecotech. That said, a lot T5's don't have moisture proof end caps, etc. But those are easily replaceable and you can see if there are issues occurring when you replace bulbs.

Can't speak of the Straton but have you ever looked at the Kessil a360x? It is open to the world. I had 4 over my 210 display mounted 8 - 10" above the surface. Never a issue even when I was lazy to dust them. I have the SKY's mounted 8" above the water line. Heavy surface agitation due to a XF250 gyre. Still no water and they have been over the tank since June. Unless my Sapphire damsels start roll playing Sea World shows or Flipper episodes I'm personally not worried.

Counter point would be look at the product launch for the Radion or the Vectra. Radion had issues. Vectra pumps had issues. Not sure I would play the "seemingly" cheaper card when you reference ecotech as a possible superior product. Products have recalls or warranty repairs no doubt but this light has only been out a couple weeks to the masses.

Your mileage may vary of course.

 

[Jon's Reef]

lack of moisture proofing/isolating of electronics in an LED would make me go towards Straton or ecotech.

Is it better in the G5? I do not remember a gasket between the lens and LED board (when I had to disassemble my new light to replace a cracked lower case and lens). The only light I have seen with real moisture protection is Kessil with the conformal coating (which has downsides in terms of heat dissipation).

I cannot speak for the Straton as I have not seen a teardown.

 

[Hydrored]

Can't speak of the Straton but have you ever looked at the Kessil a360x? It is open to the world. I had 4 over my 210 display mounted 8 - 10" above the surface. Never a issue even when I was lazy to dust them. I have the SKY's mounted 8" above the water line. Heavy surface agitation due to a XF250 gyre. Still no water and they have been over the tank since June. Unless my Sapphire damsels start roll playing Sea World shows or Flipper episodes I'm personally not worried.

Counter point would be look at the product launch for the Radion or the Vectra. Radion had issues. Vectra pumps had issues. Not sure I would play the "seemingly" cheaper card when you reference ecotech as a possible superior product. Products have recalls or warranty repairs no doubt but this light has only been out a couple weeks to the masses.

Your mileage may vary of course.

Kessil has a conformal coating......

I'll wait for @Bulk Reef Supply to actually do a Straton review so they can confirm how bad Sky's are actually priced. I have a ton of Neptune gear and these lights concerning quality is shameful.

My guess is BRS will never review the Straton, they talk about transparency let's see a head-to-head on the lights.

I’ll give BRS talking points to help get them started-

Stratons mounting options suck
Stratons are a solid piece of aluminum that is silent
153 led's in Straton vs 104 in Sky
Sky is built with plastic and?

Edit: now that I think about it add the Phillips they copied to the head to head.

 

[jcates]

Hi, i like to use my lamp in the blue Spectrum. If i use the sky this way, does it produce enough par for a sps tank or i have to use it with a lot of white ?

Do you see a big difference beetween puck style lamp like the radion 4 vs the sky for the shadow problème when our sps frag become a colonie ?

Depending on what your are looking at for par numbers. I didn't crank to 100 but was easy to get to 250-300 with the Blue plus mode.

 

[areefer01]

Kessil has a conformal coating......

It is still open to salt creep. Just saying it isn't water proof.

Edit: also to clarify Kessil does have a couple generations of development and the a360x has been out longer so there is history. I was only saying that it is open. Compare that to say the Philips Coral Care Gen 2 which we know you can blast it with a steady stream of water and it will be fine.

Trying to be objective if that makes sense.

 

[Hydrored]

It is still open to salt creep. Just saying it isn't water proof.

Edit: also to clarify Kessil does have a couple generations of development and the a360x has been out longer so there is history. I was only saying that it is open. Compare that to say the Philips Coral Care Gen 2 which we know you can blast it with a steady stream of water and it will be fine.

Trying to be objective if that makes sense.

Makes sense, I just think they could've done a better job on the build at this price point.

 

[Mywifeisgunnakillme]

All depends on the tank dimensions and aquascape.

A kessil A500x, Radion XR30 and Sky have similar par output. But they differ substantially in geometry.

I have a ~36x24x24 tank. 1 XR30 would not give enough coverage around the aquascape. 2 XR15 was better, but still resulted in poor coverage wrapping around the front and back (so I added LED bars). I thought about going with 2 XR30 mounted front/back, but decided to try 1 SKY. The coverage looks (and measures via par meter) out well.

So from experience I would suggest that if one was running 4 XR30 over a 6’ tank, you would get better coverage with 2-3 SKY.

Okay, so Skys produce more even spread (more even spread = "better coverage") is what you are (Neptune is really) saying? Since comparable lights (XR 30) use the same amount of electricity and basically use the same number of LEDs.

I still don't see how 3 Sky replace 5 XR 30's as Neptune is saying. The skys may provide a more even coverage with par numbers not reaching that of directly below EX 30's, if you want that, but that's just a different use not a "replacement."

In other words, when using LED's--that can fry corals--it's often better with mixed reef tanks to NOT have even spread; you may indeed want varying intensity, and shadows for low light corals, depending on coral type and placement. In such case, wouldn't 3 XR 30's be a better choice than 3 skys? The 3 XR 30's would be nice to cook clams and acropora directly below them, but also nice to allow lower light LPS and softies in between each fixture? With the Sky, there is "less in between" space for lower light corals, right? So with sky you would have to lower the panel's intensity create lower light spaces and in doing so there might not be a "hot spot" for clams and acro's directly under the pane?

Personally, I have liked T5's for spread--because i've never fried corals with t5's even with higher par but have certainly fried corals with LED's.

With LED's, i've been going the route of Kessils or Reefbrites because the Kessils i can focus where i want extra par or punch (clams and acors) and with the reefbrites--they don't fry anything with just the T5 like reflector.

 

[Jon's Reef]

First, I am not saying that one light is overall better for every situation. It depends on the tank dimensions, aquascape, corals being kept and the reefkeeper.

If you are happy with Radions, Kessils, T5, halide, orphek, reefbreeder, etc.... I am happy for you. That is great. My comments are with respect to my experience, on my tank, on the types of corals that I like.

Okay, so Skys produce more even spread (more even spread = "better coverage") is what you are (Neptune is really) saying? Since comparable lights (XR 30) use the same amount of electricity and basically use the same number of LEDs.

An XR30 or SKY likely has very similar integrated par. That is if you sum all of the light going into the tank, it is likely very similar. I also would not be surprised if the same is true for an A500x. They simply have a different distribution (also there is a slight difference in the color output. All will grow coral well, but each may be a closer color match to your personal taste)

I still don't see how 3 Sky replace 5 XR 30's as Neptune is saying. The skys may provide a more even coverage with par numbers not reaching that of directly below EX 30's, if you want that, but that's just a different use not a "replacement."

If you are par limited, I agree. 3 will not replace 5. If the 5 XR30 are not being run at max, rather they are at 60%, then I could see replacing 5 XR30 @ 60% with 3 SKY @ 100%. Note that this is often the case in the BRS reviews. Ex. 3 XR30 over a 48" tank where 2 SKY could easily cover that.

In other words, when using LED's--that can fry corals--it's often better with mixed reef tanks to NOT have even spread; you may indeed want varying intensity, and shadows for low light corals, depending on coral type and placement. In such case, wouldn't 3 XR 30's be a better choice than 3 skys? The 3 XR 30's would be nice to cook clams and acropora directly below them, but also nice to allow lower light LPS and softies in between each fixture? With the Sky, there is "less in between" space for lower light corals, right? So with sky you would have to lower the panel's intensity create lower light spaces and in doing so there might not be a "hot spot" for clams and acro's directly under the pane?

In a frag tank, I would agree. I try to use aquascaping and coral shape/size/ character to create par and flow zones.

Personally, I have liked T5's for spread--because i've never fried corals with t5's even with higher par but have certainly fried corals with LED's.

With LED's, i've been going the route of Kessils or Reefbrites because the Kessils i can focus where i want extra par or punch (clams and acors) and with the reefbrites--they don't fry anything with just the T5 like reflector.

Totally agree. With LED's you have to be careful with direct illumination. On one hand, the intensity has to be high enough to bounce off the glass/ rock and get to the underside of corals, but at the same time not cook the top. Before running the SKY, I was running 2 A360x and 4 Reefbrites. One of my motivations was also just to simplify. Here is a comparison of my setups:
2x A360x (40% int, 30% color), 2 RB XHO Actinic, 1 RB XHO 50/50 -----> ~200W

SKY in Sky mode, 100% intensity (90% overall intensity) -----> ~200W

I am really glad that there are so many good choices in the market. There will always be little things that can picked on about this or that, but overall choice is good.

 

[Mywifeisgunnakillme]

First, I am not saying that one light is overall better for every situation. It depends on the tank dimensions, aquascape, corals being kept and the reefkeeper.

If you are happy with Radions, Kessils, T5, halide, orphek, reefbreeder, etc.... I am happy for you. That is great. My comments are with respect to my experience, on my tank, on the types of corals that I like.


An XR30 or SKY likely has very similar integrated par. That is if you sum all of the light going into the tank, it is likely very similar. I also would not be surprised if the same is true for an A500x. They simply have a different distribution (also there is a slight difference in the color output. All will grow coral well, but each may be a closer color match to your personal taste)



If you are par limited, I agree. 3 will not replace 5. If the 5 XR30 are not being run at max, rather they are at 60%, then I could see replacing 5 XR30 @ 60% with 3 SKY @ 100%. Note that this is often the case in the BRS reviews. Ex. 3 XR30 over a 48" tank where 2 SKY could easily cover that.



In a frag tank, I would agree. I try to use aquascaping and coral shape/size/ character to create par and flow zones.


Totally agree. With LED's you have to be careful with direct illumination. On one hand, the intensity has to be high enough to bounce off the glass/ rock and get to the underside of corals, but at the same time not cook the top. Before running the SKY, I was running 2 A360x and 4 Reefbrites. One of my motivations was also just to simplify. Here is a comparison of my setups:
2x A360x (40% int, 30% color), 2 RB XHO Actinic, 1 RB XHO 50/50 -----> ~200W

SKY in Sky mode, 100% intensity (90% overall intensity) -----> ~200W

I am really glad that there are so many good choices in the market. There will always be little things that can picked on about this or that, but overall choice is good.

Sky looks like a pretty similar look on your tank compared to kessils and reefbrites. How is the "pop" of skys versus reefbrights? The green torch in the right hand corner looks to pop much more under reefbrights?

My only thought/point is that 3 sky's doesn't really seem to "replace" 5 XR 30's in any scenario. I guess that is a point i am disputing that Neptune seems to be making. Sky may provide more even spread (par wise), however, if that is desired. (Although your sky par #'s are not exactly much different than kessil and reefnright combo).

Totally agree its simpler cord and app wise!

But I doubt the same size SPS only tank would grow/show more growth or more vibrant corals with 3 skys versus 3 XR 30 radions. I guess that is another point i am disputing that Neptune seems to be making.

I think (theoretically) par numbers would vary more with three radions, which would be good for some SPS versus other lower light SPS (assuming the tank of SPS has mix of high light and deep water and lower light sps) and there may be slightly more shadowing with 3 radions, but nothing that would impact coral health (XR 30's have very good/similar enough spread). The shadowing my guess would only impact the visual appeal of the tank or not, but that's purely subjective . Some like contrast some like flat.

 

[Jon's Reef]

How is the "pop" of skys versus reefbrights?

The blue channel is very similar in look and pop to RB. The Sky pic was taken in photo mode which turns the blue channel down. The Kessil and RB pic is with orange filter. One strong similarity to the Sky and Kessil/RB is the strong reduction of the green/ cyan color. Personally, that is one part I really like.

My only thought/point is that 3 sky's doesn't really seem to "replace" 5 XR 30's in any scenario.

If you need 1000w (5 XR30 at 100%), then you would need 5 Sky. If you are running the 5 lights at 60% because you needed the coverage of the 5 lights… well then 3 Sky at 100% would do that job.

 

[Mywifeisgunnakillme]

If you need 1000w (5 XR30 at 100%), then you would need 5 Sky. If you are running the 5 lights at 60% because you needed the coverage of the 5 lights… well then 3 Sky at 100% would do that job.

I guess this is where i am lost. Ecotech says an XR 30 has a maximum spread of 32" x 32":

Neptune says Sky has a maximum spread of 30" x 36":

In other words, the coverage of each light is basically the same. Maybe Sky has somewhat more "even" par spread--but BRS, who now owns Neptune, said XR 30's basically have amongst the best even spread of any LED.

In sum, I assume both manufactures have tested their units and are not lying about coverage. The BRS videos on XR 30's demonstrate more than excellent even spread by XR-30's. That's why i don't get the claim by Neptune that 3 sky could replace 5 XR 30's.

Based the on the above, how could the Sky be anything other than a one for one replacement of the XR 30?

Again, i think the difference is solely aesthetics. The XR 30 is a slight smaller panel. It will provide a look in the tank that has more contrast and slightly more shadowing. I highly doubt that such contrast or shadowing would impact growth or coloration of corals compared to Sky. The Sky seems to have less contrast and slightly less shadowing. A bit more flat like T5's.

What i am i missing?

 

[areefer01]

I guess this is where i am lost. Ecotech says an XR 30 has a maximum spread of 32" x 32":

Neptune says Sky has a maximum spread of 30" x 36":

In other words, the coverage of each light is basically the same. Maybe Sky has somewhat more "even" par spread--but BRS, who now owns Neptune, said XR 30's basically have amongst the best even spread of any LED.

In sum, I assume both manufactures have tested their units and are not lying about coverage. The BRS videos on XR 30's demonstrate more than excellent even spread by XR-30's. That's why i don't get the claim by Neptune that 3 sky could replace 5 XR 30's.

Based the on the above, how could the Sky be anything other than a one for one replacement of the XR 30?

Again, i think the difference is solely aesthetics. The XR 30 is a slight smaller panel. It will provide a look in the tank that has more contrast and slightly more shadowing. I highly doubt that such contrast or shadowing would impact growth or coloration of corals compared to Sky. The Sky seems to have less contrast and slightly less shadowing. A bit more flat like T5's.

What i am i missing?

With all due respect I think you may be over thinking this. Check out the BRS shadow test. I think that may more or less answer the question you are asking. It is a larger panel so it will cover more area by design alone. Dana even commented on this. It will come down to your budget and eye as it relates to what spectrum you prefer.

I will say that several of the NSI testers had this same question. I have 4 of X and Neptune recommended fewer. In my case I wanted three SKY's and they recommended two. They got it right. Also wattage wise using two SKY's gave me more wattage and par than the a360x's I replaced. So it did align.

I know several NSI members raised the same question. I have 4 of X and didn't think fewer SKYs would work and in the end it always worked out. BRS/Ryan's tank reduced a lot of lights. Meleve same thing. Unless you have a center brace or something similar the larger panel does create a nice usable PAR spread.

Sounds like you watched it already but the BRS test does show the spread and the shadow test I think is the better one.

 

[Waynerock]

Kessil has a conformal coating......

I'll wait for @Bulk Reef Supply to actually do a Straton review so they can confirm how bad Sky's are actually priced. I have a ton of Neptune gear and these lights concerning quality is shameful.

My guess is BRS will never review the Straton, they talk about transparency let's see a head-to-head on the lights.

I’ll give BRS talking points to help get them started-

Stratons mounting options suck
Stratons are a solid piece of aluminum that is silent
153 led's in Straton vs 104 in Sky
Sky is built with plastic and?

Edit: now that I think about it add the Phillips they copied to the head to head.

Good luck with that. BRS will never be objective to a company they own! Those days are gone. Stratton is hands down better for the money

 

[Mywifeisgunnakillme]

It will come down to your budget and eye as it relates to what spectrum you prefer

I agree with this.

I just think that the coverage of the lights, Sky versus XR 30's, is the same and the manufacturers in fact state that it is. I just don't understand Neptune's (contradictory...) marketing statement i suppose that the 3 sky's will replace 5 XR 30's. I think that is misleading regardless of what "NSI testers" say....

 

[Mywifeisgunnakillme]

I know several NSI members raised the same question. I have 4 of X and didn't think fewer SKYs would work and in the end it always worked out. BRS/Ryan's tank reduced a lot of lights. Meleve same thing. Unless you have a center brace or something similar the larger panel does create a nice usable PAR spread.

Sounds like you watched it already but the BRS test does show the spread and the shadow test I think is the better one

None of these people, except you, replaced XR 30's with Skys. Are you saying the same number XR 30's (as skys) would not work on your tank?

I have not seen a shadow test comparing XR 30's to Skys. I doubt it would be that big of a difference. Nothing that would impact coral growth or color, just the look of the tank--more contrast with radions and more flat with skys.